What are the unique features of Randolph College summer camps. How do these camps foster technological skills in children. When and where are these camps held. Who can attend these innovative tech camps. Why should parents consider these camps for their children.
Tech Cats Summer Coding Day Camp: A Gateway to Digital Creativity
Randolph College offers an exciting summer opportunity for young tech enthusiasts through its Tech Cats Summer Coding Day Camp, also known as TC3 Kids Camp. This innovative program is designed to ignite a passion for technology and coding in children, providing them with valuable skills for the digital age.
Camp Schedule and Age Groups
The camp runs Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with core instruction taking place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. It caters to students from rising 3rd grade to rising 8th grade, ensuring a wide range of young minds can benefit from this educational experience.
Sessions and Dates
In 2023, TC3 Kids Camp offers three distinct sessions:
- Session 1: June 26-30, 2023 – Focusing on Python Coding, Minecraft Modding, and Robotics
- Session 2: July 24-28, 2023 – Featuring Python Coding, Roblox Game Building, and Robotics
- Session 3: July 31-August 4, 2023 – Revisiting Python Coding, Minecraft Modding, and Robotics
Each session is priced at $295, offering excellent value for the comprehensive tech education provided.
Diverse Curriculum: Blending Coding, Gaming, and Robotics
The TC3 Kids Camp curriculum is thoughtfully designed to engage young learners through a mix of popular technologies and fundamental coding concepts. But what makes this curriculum stand out?
Python Programming: The Foundation of Coding Skills
At the heart of the camp’s curriculum is Python programming. This versatile language serves as an excellent starting point for young coders due to its readability and wide application in various fields. Campers learn Python through interactive game-building exercises, making the learning process both fun and practical.
Minecraft Modding: Creativity Meets Coding
In Sessions 1 and 3, campers get the exciting opportunity to mod Minecraft, one of the world’s most popular games. This activity not only taps into children’s existing interests but also teaches them how to manipulate and customize game environments using code.
Roblox Game Building: Designing Virtual Worlds
Session 2 introduces campers to Roblox game building. This platform allows children to create their own games and virtual spaces, fostering creativity while teaching important coding and design principles.
Robotics: Bringing Code to Life
All sessions include robotics programming, giving campers hands-on experience in controlling physical objects with code. This tangible application of programming skills helps solidify learning and demonstrates real-world applications of coding.
A Day in the Life of a TC3 Kids Camper
How does a typical day unfold at the TC3 Kids Camp? Let’s break down the daily schedule to give you a clearer picture of the engaging activities that await young tech enthusiasts.
- 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Early arrival and free play with educational games and Legos
- 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Interactive, hands-on computer science and coding instruction
- 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.: Lunch break featuring guest speakers from various tech-related fields
- 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Outdoor activities and on-campus field trips
- 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Robotics and Scratch programming activities
- 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Additional coding time or free play with Legos and games
This well-structured day ensures a balance between intensive learning and relaxation, keeping campers engaged and energized throughout the week.
The Grand Finale: Code and Cake Showcase
One of the most exciting aspects of the TC3 Kids Camp is the Code and Cake Showcase held on the final Friday of each session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. But what makes this event so special?
The Code and Cake Showcase serves as a platform for campers to present their coding projects to family and friends. This event not only celebrates the achievements of the young coders but also helps build their confidence in public speaking and presenting technical concepts. As an added treat, dessert is served during the showcase, making it a sweet conclusion to an enriching week of learning.
Expert Leadership: Meet the Camp Director
The success of any educational program often hinges on the expertise of its instructors. In the case of TC3 Kids Camp, campers are in exceptionally capable hands. Who leads this innovative tech camp?
Dr. Katrin Schenk, an Associate Professor of Physics at Randolph College, serves as the Director and Lead Instructor of the TC3 Kids Camp. Her impressive credentials include:
- Ph.D. in theoretical physics and M.S. in experimental physics from Cornell University
- B.S. in physics from the University of California at Los Angeles
- Sloan-Swartz Fellowship in theoretical neuroscience at the University of California, San Francisco
- 25 years of experience as a computer programmer in multiple languages
- Extensive teaching experience in programming at various institutions
Dr. Schenk’s wealth of knowledge and experience ensures that campers receive top-notch instruction and guidance throughout their tech learning journey.
Beyond Coding: Fostering Well-rounded Development
While the primary focus of TC3 Kids Camp is on coding and technology, the program goes above and beyond to provide a holistic learning experience. How does the camp contribute to the overall development of its participants?
Guest Speakers: Inspiring Future Careers
During lunch breaks, campers have the opportunity to listen to guest speakers from various fields. These talks cover topics such as “What is an Engineer?” and “What Careers use Robots?” exposing children to potential career paths in technology and science.
Physical Activity: Balancing Screen Time
Recognizing the importance of physical activity, the camp includes daily outdoor play and active games. This not only provides a break from screen time but also promotes overall well-being and helps maintain focus during coding sessions.
Collaborative Learning: Building Social Skills
Many of the camp activities involve collaborative projects, encouraging teamwork and communication skills. These social interactions are crucial for developing well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in future academic and professional environments.
Why Choose TC3 Kids Camp?
With numerous summer camp options available, parents might wonder what sets TC3 Kids Camp apart. Here are some compelling reasons to consider this tech-focused program:
- Comprehensive curriculum covering multiple aspects of coding and technology
- Experienced and qualified instructors led by Dr. Katrin Schenk
- Balance of intensive learning and relaxation activities
- Exposure to potential career paths through guest speakers
- Opportunity for campers to showcase their work to family and friends
- No prior experience required, welcoming beginners and experienced coders alike
- Affordable pricing for a week-long, full-day camp experience
By choosing TC3 Kids Camp, parents invest in their child’s future, equipping them with valuable skills that will serve them well in our increasingly digital world.
Preparing for TC3 Kids Camp: What You Need to Know
As parents consider enrolling their children in TC3 Kids Camp, they may have questions about preparation and logistics. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth camp experience:
Location and Facilities
The camp takes place at the Martin Science Building on the Randolph College campus in Lynchburg, VA. This setting provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, enhancing the learning experience for campers.
Required Materials
While specific details aren’t provided in the original text, it’s likely that most necessary materials will be provided by the camp. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the organizers about any items campers should bring, such as a notebook, water bottle, or specific clothing for outdoor activities.
Lunch and Snacks
The camp schedule includes a lunch break, but it’s unclear whether lunch is provided or if campers need to bring their own. Parents should confirm this information with the camp organizers and plan accordingly.
Registration Process
While the original text mentions “register” links for each session, it doesn’t provide details about the registration process. Parents interested in enrolling their children should visit the Randolph College website or contact the admissions office for more information on how to secure a spot in the desired session.
By considering these factors and preparing accordingly, parents can help ensure their child has a rewarding and enjoyable experience at TC3 Kids Camp.
Tech Cats Summer Coding Day Camp
TC
3 Kids Camp
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
(Instruction starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.)
Code and Cake Code Showcase: Friday 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Ages: Rising 3rd – Rising 8th graders. Cost: $295
- Session 1 – Python Coding, Minecraft Modding, Robotics and more!
Monday–Friday, June 26-30, 2023 (register) - Session 2 – Python Coding, Roblox Game Building, Robotics and more!
Monday–Friday, July 24–28, 2023 (register) - Session 3 – Python Coding, Minecraft Modding, Robotics and more!
Monday–Friday, July 31–Aug. 4, 2023 (register)
Session 1 – Python Coding, Minecraft Modding, Robotics and more!
Monday–Friday, June 26-30, 2023
Register
Campers will learn programming in the Python Coding language through fun and interactive game building! Campers will also learn to mod their favorite game, Minecraft, and will learn to program robots, some computer science concepts and more!
Session 2 – Python Coding, Roblox Game Building, Robotics and more!
Monday–Friday, July 24–28, 2023
Register
Campers will learn programming in the Python Coding language through fun and interactive game building! Campers will also learn to build Roblox games, learn to program robots, learn some computer science concepts and more!
Session 3 – Python Coding, Minecraft Modding, Robotics and more!
Monday–Friday, July 31–Aug. 4, 2023
Register
Campers will learn programming in the Python Coding language through fun, interactive game building! Campers will also learn to mod their favorite game, Minecraft, and will learn to program robots, some computer science concepts and more!
About TC3
TC3 Kids is a week-long introduction to computer programming and robotics for rising 3rd – rising 8th grade students. Kids will learn the basics of computer programming, computer science and robotics through fun, collaborative and creative activities including Python coding, Minecraft modding (camps 1 and 3) and Roblox game building (camp 2).
No experience with computer programming or computer science is necessary! All levels welcome!
Campers will show off their code at a Code and Cake presentation party on the Friday of the camp between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
New This Year! We are adding programming with Python this year! Python is a very useful language that is accessible for kids and used for a huge number of scientific, engineering and business applications!
Location: Martin Science Building, Randolph College, Lynchburg, VA.
Instructors:
- Director/Lead Instructor: Dr. Katrin Schenk, PhD, Associate Professor of Physics, Randolph College.
TC3 Kids Daily Schedule:
- 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Parents may drop off children anytime within this window. There will be Legos and many other educational games available for play. - 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Highly interactive, hands-on computer science and coding instruction (Minecraft, ROBLOX, Python, and more!). - 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch
Each day we have a guest speaker during lunch. These speakers include local engineers and scientists, representatives from Vector Space, Lynchburg City Economic Development Office and the Future Focus Foundation. These talks will be on topics such as “What is an Engineer?” and “What Careers use Robots?” - 1 p.m.
– 1:45 p.m.
Outdoor play/activities/on campus field trips/active games outside. - 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Robotics and Scratch programming activities. - 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Legos and games
Note: Children will also be allowed to work on their robotics and/or coding projects during this time.
– 1:45 p.m.TC3 Kids Code and Cake Party:
At 7:00 p.m. on the last day of camp (Fridays) we will have our Code and Cake presentation party where kids (on a voluntary basis) will present their coding projects to their family and friends. Dessert will be served!
Director and Lead Instructor
Katrin Schenk, associate professor of physics, Randolph College
Katrin Schenk holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics and an M.S. in experimental physics from Cornell University and a B.S. in physics from University of California at Los Angeles. She also completed a Sloan-Swartz Fellowship in theoretical neuroscience at the University of California, San Francisco in 2004.
During her undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral and faculty tenure she has gained 25 years experience as a computer programmer in multiple, highly used languages such as Python, Matlab, Labview, C, C++, PHP, Perl, Perl CGI.
She has taught classes in programming at Cornell University, the University of California, San Francisco, and most recently at Randolph College.
She also runs several workshops for children during Randolph College’s annual science festival and developed and taught the highly popular and successful Tech Kids Coding Camp at Holy Cross School in the summer of 2014 and at Randolph College 2015-2023.
Lynchburg VA Area Summer Camp Guide 2023
From outdoor adventure camps to ballet and theater camps, there’s a perfect camp for your child!
The Lynchburg Macaroni Kid 2023 Summer Camp Guide is a work in progress. Only a few camps have updated their information for 2023. Stay tuned!
From outdoor adventure camps to ballet and theater camps, there’s a lot of choices! One of these camps will be perfect for your child.
Check out the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid event calendar any time for all of the best local events. You’ll find indoor and outdoor fun guides and much more on our website.
Academy Center of the Arts Camps – See Academy Center of the Arts website for details
Tarzan: High School Summer Camp (full day) – June 12-30
Alice in Wonderland: Young Actors (half day) – June 12-16 (sold out)
434 Drumline Summer Camp (full day) – June 19-23
Disney’s Finding Nemo, Jr. Summer Camp (full day) – July 3-14
Disney’s The Jungle Book, Kids (full day) – July 17-28
Story-MAKERS Theatre Camp partnered with Building Bridges (half day) – July 24 – Aug. 4
Amazement Square WonderCamp and WonderCamp Jr. – Register at Amazement Square website
Full Day Camps: WonderCamp Adventurer (3rd – 5th grade) and WonderCamp Explorer (K – 2nd grade)
(Camp hours are Monday-Friday from 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM with optional aftercare available)
Clay Creators – June 5-9
Woodworking Apprenticeship – June 19-23
Stop Motion Filmmakers – July 10-14
Steam to Mars – July 24-28
WonderCamp Explorer Camp Dates (K – 2nd grade):
(Camp hours are Monday-Friday from 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM with optional aftercare available)
Environmental Investigator – June 5-9
Intro to Robotics – June 12-16
Around the World – June 19-23
Steam Makers – June 26-30
Slimeology – July 10-14
Big Messy Art – July 17-21
Mad Scientist – July 24-28
Steam to Space – July 31 – Aug.
4
Half-Day Camps: WonderCamp Jr. Camp Dates (ages 3-5):
(Camp hours are Monday-Friday from 8:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Dino Dig – June 5-9
Ooey Gooey Science – June 12-16
Fun with Art – June 19-23
Things That Go! – June 26-30
Young Naturalist – July 10-14
3,2,1, Blast Off! – July 17-21
Under the Sea – July 24-28
Mini Makers – July 31 – Aug. 4
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Summer Camp
Due to COVID-19 and reduced staffing, the annual Civil War Summer Camp is on hold indefinitely.
Bedford County Parks and Recreation Summer Camps – Register at Bedford County Parks & Rec website
STEM Camp (ages 5-9) – June 12-16 (Bedford Recreation Office)
Kids Art Camp (ages 5-9) – June 26-30 (Bedford Recreation Office)
Kids Art Camp (ages 5-9) – July 3-7 (Forest Recreation Center)
Youth Art Camp (ages 10+) – July 10-14 (Bedford Recreation Office)
Magic Fairy Camp (ages 5+) – June 26-30; July 17-21 (Bedford Recreation Office)
Pirates and Mermaids Camp (ages 5+) – July 10-14; July 31 – Aug.
4 (Bedford Recreation Office)
Super Hero Camp (ages 5-9) – July 24-28 (Bedford Recreation Office)
Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library – Register by email to [email protected] (Site not updated for 2023)
Blue Mountain Barn Summer Camp – Register at Blue Mountain Barn Facebook page
Blue Mountain Barn Kids Summer Camp at River Ridge Mall (ages 6 and older) – June 19-22
Blue Mountain Barn Kids Summer Camp at River Ridge Mall (ages 6 and older) – July 10-13
Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Summer Camp – Register at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah website
Traditional Camp (ages 5-13) Dates: June 12-16, June 19-23, June 26-30, July 3-7, July 10-14, July 17-21, July 24-28, and July 31 – Aug. 4
Camp Hydaway – Register at Camp Hydaway website
Camp Hydaway offers day camps (All weeks are open to rising 2nd – 4th graders with two week periods including rising 5th – 6th graders) and overnight camps (rising 4th – 6th graders).
Camp Hydaway camps sell out quickly. Your child may only attend one week of camp. If the camp should fill up, we do have a waiting list that you can fill out should a spot open up.
Central Virginia United Summer Camp – Register at Central Virginia United Soccer website (Site not updated)
Claytor Nature Center Summer Camps – Register at Claytor Nature Center camp website (Site not updated for 2023)
Crosswhite Athletic Club Summer Tennis Camps – Register at Crosswhite Athletic Club website
Crosswhite Athletic Club offers half-day summer tennis camps for children ages 5 and older for beginner and more advanced players.
Dance Music Creations Summer Camp – Register at Dance Music Creations website
Fur-Ever Friends Dance Camp (ages 4-6) – June 12-15 from 9 AM – 12 PM or 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Descendants (ages 6-8) Dance Camp – June 12-15 from 9 AM – 12 PM or 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Princess Dance Camp (ages 4-6 and 6-8) – June 26-29 from 9 AM – 12 PM
Under the Sea Dance Camp (ages 4-6 and 6-8) – July 10-13 from 9 AM – 12 PM
Fairy Land Dance Camp (ages 4-6 and 6-8) – July 17-20
Dynamic Gymnastics Summer Camp (ages 5 and up) – Register at Dynamic Gymnastics website
Dynamic Gymnastics offers weekly gymnastics camps for ages 5 and older and a preschool camp for ages 3-4 every other week throughout the summer.
Ecclesia School of the Arts – Register at Ecclesia School of the Arts website (Site not updated for 2023)
Elite Athletics Camps – Register at Elite Athletics website or call 434-525-4813
Elite Athletics offers a variety of half-day summer camps for ages 5 and older and one summer camp for ages 3 and older.
Explore the World Summer Camp (ages 5 and older) – June 12-16 from 8 AM – 12 PM
Ninja Summer Camp (ages 5 and older) – June 26-30 from 8 AM – 12 PM
Holiday Summer Camp (ages 5 and older) – July 10-14 from 8 AM – 12 PM
Storybook Summer Camp: Preschool Camp (ages 3-6) – July 17-21 from 8 AM – 12 PM
Flip For All Summer Camp: Special Needs Camp (ages 5 and older) – July 31 – Aug. 2 from 9 AM – 12 PM
Imagination Station Summer Camp – Register at Imagination Station website
Imagination Station offers daily and weekly summer art camps from May 29 through Aug. 8. Camp hours are from 11 AM – 1 PM Monday through Friday.
Jacobs Run Equestrian Center Summer Horse Camp – Register at Jacobs Run Equestrian Center website
Camp dates for ages 4 and older: June 5-9 (camp full), June 12-16, June 19-23, June 26-30
James River Adventures Summer Camp – Register at James River Adventures website
Camp dates for rising 3rd – 8th graders (all camp hours are 9 AM – 4 PM):
June 26-29 (4 day) hosted at Izaak Walton League
July 10-13 (4 day) hosted at Izaak Walton League
July 17-20 (4 day) hosted at Izaak Walton League
July 24-28 (5 day) hosted at Riveredge Park/James River Adventures
LCA Theatre Camp – Register at LCA Theatre Camp Event page
Summer Camp dates for rising 2nd – 9th graders:
July 10-21 – Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 12 PM
Liberty University Summer Camps – Register or find additional details at Liberty University Summer Camps website
Liberty University offers a wide variety of camps for students of all ages, including academic camps and athletic camps.
Information about athletic and academic summer camps for 2023 are posted on the website.
Lynchburg Humane Society Camp Happiness – Register at Lynchburg Humane Society website
Summer camp dates for ages 7-12 (camp hours are 1 PM – 5 PM)
June 19-23
June 26-30
July 10-14
July 17-24-28
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Summer Camps – Register at Lynchburg Parks and Recreation website
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation offers a variety of summer camps, including day camps, half-day camps, and specialty camps.
National D-Day Memorial Camps – Register at National D-Day Memorial website
National D-Day Memorial offers the following camps:
June 20 – Single day camp for rising 1st – 3rd graders
June 22-24 – Three day camp for rising 4th – 6th graders
Randolph College Summer Camps – Register at Randolph College website
Randolph College has numerous day camps available for local families looking for ways to enrich the summer months for their children and teens, including: nursery school, sports, theatre, and coding camps and online summer courses.
